Merrow hotel development to go ahead despite legal action threat

27 April 2018 by
Merrow hotel development to go ahead despite legal action threat

Work on the £20m Merrow Hotel and Spa will start in the summer despite the renewed threat of legal action against the development in Portstewart.

C&V Developments has vowed to press ahead with the project in County Londonderry and ground works will begin in the summer, a spokeswoman said.

Traditional Unionist Voice leader and member of the Legislative Assembly Jim Allister is understood to be considering fresh legal action to have planning permission reversed. The politician owns a holiday home close to the proposed development, which is adjacent to the start and finish line of the North West 200 cycle race.

The 118-bedroom project was originally granted planning permission in June 2017, but Allister threatened a judicial review, which led to permission being withdrawn last August. However, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council approved the plans once again in January.

"We would like to reassure everyone that our team is committed to progressing this project as planned, regardless of any potential legal action threatened. We thank you for your ongoing support," said C&V in a statement issued this week.

"Merrow Hotel and Spa complex has officially been granted planning approval and this represents a significant milestone on our journey. This week, details emerged that MLA Jim Allister is threatening further legal action over the council's decision to approve the plans. A previous threat led to withdrawal of planning permission. These delays have had a knock-on effect on local businesses, delaying millions of pounds worth of revenue for the local economy.

"Despite the delays, the project team has been working hard to make progress and build relationships with local suppliers and will continue to do so. It is imperative that local suppliers form the core of Merrow Hotel and Spa's supply chain. The recruitment of 100 hotel jobs will be focused on local people. Ground works are scheduled to commence over the coming months and the vision to create a new world of luxury on the North Coast can be transformed into a reality," it said.

£20m Merrow hotel given the green light >>

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